Supreme Court Direct states to pay salaries to healthcare

The Supreme Court asked the Centre to submit a direction to states for payment of salaries to healthcare workers treating COVID-19 patients.

The SC warned that non-compliance of the order would be viewed seriously, the court also asked govt Centre to file a report on payments within one month.

They also directed that healthcare staff involved in fighting the Corona infection should not be denied quarantine facilities.

 The bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, R Subhash Reddy and MR Shah said, “Appropriate steps in this regard shall be taken by the Central Government to ensure that salaries of doctors and health workers are released.” The court gave Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was appearing for the Centre, a week’s time to make sure the necessary steps were taken.

Earlier on June 17, the court had instructed the Centre to issue order to all the states and Union Territories for payment of salaries to doctors and healthcare workers. Also to provide suitable quarantine facilities for those who are coming forward to deal with corona.

Advocate Mithu Jain had filed the application on behalf of the URDA. She also pointed out that ''Several hospitals were forcing doctors to apply for casual leave against the days they were in mandatory quarantine. How can that be done. It is compulsory quarantine. It should not be considered as leave,” the apex court bench said.

Solicitor General Mehta assured that required instruction would be conveyed in this issue and they have to report to the court by August 10, the next date of hearing.